Norway vs Italy UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier - Preview, Injuries & Key Players
Italy will kick off their UEFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign against Norway in the Group I. Coming in after getting knocked by Germany from the Nations League Quarterfinals, Italy will look to get back to winning ways. Moreover, with only four wins in their last 10 games, manager Luciano Spaletti will also have a lot riding on the clash against Norway.
Norway has been on a decent run since June 2024 as they have lost only two games since. Moreover, winning six games of their last seven, Stale Solbakken’s side will be expected to go head-to-head against Italy. Additionally, with players like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard set to take the stage, the contest is poised as anybody’s to take.
Norway will be without the talents of Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo midfielder), Erik Botheim (Malmo forward), and Stian Rode Gregersen (MLS defender) due to injuries. However, eyes will be set on Norway’s PL stars Odeegard and Haaland to take Italy over the line.
Norway, under the tactical prowess of coach Solbakken, has demonstrated remarkable flexibility in playing various formations, such as the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. These formations effectively maximize their attacking threats, particularly through their striker Haaland. However, against a defensively depleted yet tactically disciplined Italy side, Norway might make a slight adjustment to their strategy.
Italy will have a significant number of players unavailable in their first game of the UEFA WC Qualifiers campaign. With names like Moise Keane and Matteo Gabbia unavailable for the clash, Spaletti has struggled with squad strength this year. Moreover, Arsneal’s Ricardo Calafiori will also be in doubt after still being in recovery.
Despite these setbacks, Italy is projected to employ a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Gianluigi Donnarumma as the goalkeeper. The backline is expected to consist of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Coppola, and Alessandro Bastoni. In the midfield, players like Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali, and Nicolo Rovella are anticipated to be in action.
Here are the players that should be on your watchlist ahead of the UEFA World Cup Qualifier between Norway vs Italy:
Manchester City forward Haaland has scored over seven goals in his last five games for Norway. The 24-year-old has scored two goals in two games in World Cup Qualifiers as Norway tops the Group I currently. Haaland has scored 40 goals for the Norway national team in 41 appearances as looks to add to his tally while facing Italy.
Nicoló Barella will lead Italy’s attack as they try to start their qualifying campaign on a high. Barella who has scored some crucial goals for Italy over the years will be looked upon to deliver again on Friday. Having not scored in the Nations League, the 28-year-old will be keen to break the drought against Norway.
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